Millom had a real ball in December 1989 as Cinderella went to the Palladium in the town.

Pantomime time with Millom Amateur Operatic Society was voted a big hit as the town let its hair down and joined in the fun.

Ugly sisters Peter Keevil and Dave Guy were hissed and booed by the audience at every step as they plotted to keep Cinders away from the glittering ball and a chance for happiness.

The Mail:

But Cinderella, played by Lisa Dixon, and Prince Charming (Johanne McGuire) proved that true love will always find a way – helped along by Cupid (Becky Overton).

No Cinderella, of course, would be complete without the faithful Buttons, played in the 1989 show by John Clark.

The show, noted The Mail, had plenty of colourful costumes and a bevy of enthusiastic youngsters.

The Mail:

The same year the society put on a performance of Neil Simon’s comedy Sweet Charity.

Millom mayor Cllr Denise Cloudsdale and Millom carnival queen Gillian Dodd, 18, were present at the opening at the Palladium, along with performers from the society’s previous productions, including one who had travelled from Canada.

Sweet Charity was described by the Mail’s reviewer as a modern comedy and one which provided ideal family entertainment.

The Mail:

Millom’s Pamela Bell, in the title role, put so much life into every song, according to The Mail.

Also highlighted was JR Clarke as film star Vittoria Vidal. Angela Hammond gave a strong performance as his girlfriend Ursula, as did Tony Smith, as the loveable fool who fell in love with Sweet Charity.

The Mail:

Producer and director of the show was Bridget Ford. She made a plea for new people to join the society.

“We want new members,” she said.

“We want to encourage more people to come and join – more people both male and female are needed.”